If you fish a lot of crankbaits, you’re going to need to swap out your hooks at some point. The easiest and safest way to change a treble hook is with a good set of split ring pliers. While there are plenty of brands out there of “regular” pliers that have a little beak for split ring applications, I think you’re better off buying a dedicated tool. Allow me to introduce you to the absolute best split ring pliers for fishing I’ve ever owned.
What Are Split Ring Fishing Pliers Used for?
The reason most people own a pair of split ring pliers is to easily change out treble hooks on crankbaits. Most of these are affixed by some sort of split ring. To change out a hook, you need to open up the split ring to slide the old hook out, and put the new hook on. While you “could” do this with your fingers, this is a good way to get jabbed by a treble hook by accident, so I definitely recommend using a dedicated split ring fishing plier.
Why Change Out Your Treble Hooks?
The most common reason people change treble hooks is they break. There are certain lures that use very thin treble hooks that don’t hold up very well to bigger fish biting them. Other people like to change treble hooks out on lures to put on sharper ones that they have more confidence in. There are a few budget brand crankbaits that have action or colors folks like, but hooks they could do without. Regardless of why you’re swapping out your treble hooks, you do deserve to buy the best split ring pliers for fishing you can find.
The Best Split Ring Pliers for Fishing Hands Down
The best split ring pliers for fishing I’ve ever owned are hands down the Rapala Mini Split Ring Plier. This is a dedicated tool that exists for no other purpose than changing split rings. That is usually all you need to know in terms of why it’s going to outperform an “all in one” offering.
I’ve found that the pliers that have a little beak for split rings leave much to be desired. First, they are heavier than these mini pliers and often have a longer way to go between the plier and the handle to the ring. This makes it difficult to use these effectively.
Why Rapala’s Mini Split Ring Plier is a Must-Buy
There are several reasons that Rapala’s mini split ring plier is THE best split ring plier for fishing available. Here are a few of its selling points.
Compact Size
What I really love about the mini split ring plier by Rapala is that it is compact, which makes swapping out hooks go so much easier. You have much better control using this tool than a longer set of pliers. Changing out a treble hook can be an intimate affair that requires close scrutiny, especially if your eyes are aging! The closer your grip is to the business end, the better in my opinion. Really, this is the main selling point for these pliers and why I think you should buy them today.
Narrow Beak
The second awesome thing about Rapala’s mini split ring pliers is the narrow beak. Most of the beaks on “all in one” split ring pliers are going to be wide. This one is only a few millimeters wide. This makes actually opening the split rings substantially easier, in my opinion. You don’t want to open something that as narrow as a split ring with a wide tool.
Interestingly, the newer models of this tool have a sharper beak than mine. Mine worked great even with this dull beak so I’m sure the upgraded set is going to be all the better.
Durability
I’ve owned my set of Rapala split ring pliers for many years now and put them through a good amount of use. They haven’t broken or snapped on me. I’m a big fan of Rapala’s tools in general for this regard. Each one I’ve used has been of high quality and had a good measure of durability.
Hand Grip
The Rapala mini split ring pliers also have a great handle that has contours for your fingers. This is something that many of the competitor’s offerings lack, and I do think it makes a big difference on a cold day. In my neck of the woods, I’m most often going to be using these pliers in early spring and fall given that’s when I’m throwing jerkbaits with thin treble hooks. My hands are probably going to be cold while I’m using these, so anything the manufacturer can do to help me hold onto them is a big deal! The hand grip does that!
Dedication
As mentioned earlier, the Rapala mini split ring pliers are a dedicated tool. They aren’t one tool that tries to do multiple things. They are a tool that does one specific thing, and does it the best way possible. I think many of us have experience with “all-in-one” tools and will immediately get what I’m saying, but a dedicated use instrument is going to lead the pack.
Conclusion: Rapala Makes the Best Split Ring Pliers for Fishing
Personally, I think if you find yourself changing split rings often, you should pick up a pair of Rapala mini split ring pliers as they are the best ones, in my opinion, for fishing applications. They’re compact which brings your hand closer to the task at hand. Their narrow beak helps separate split rings easily. They’re durable and are going to last you many seasons. Their hand grip will make the job much easier in the cold. Finally, they are a dedicated tool that is going to outperform the jack of all trade offerings. Consider buying one today! You can always check the best prices at Amazon.
Thanks,
Want to learn how to take your kids out fishing? Do you have a friend who might need a hand? Click the pictures below to purchase my helpful books!
